Flames of Resistance

The moat was nearly dry, all except the pool surrounding the causeway up to the castle gate. It was deep there yet. Hopefully it was deep enough.

Fathren tried to swallow, but his tongue stuck to the roof of his mouth as a hot wind swept over the dry parched plains. He told himself it was from the rationing of water, but the dust raised by the invader’s armies wasn’t helping either.

“Ready?” His whispered cracked.

“Ready.” Three soft voice replied from the dry grass about him.

Fathren nodded his fingers tightened around his bow as his breath hissed rapidly though the cloth covering the lower half of his face. They had one chance, the four of them. If they failed, they’d die. If they succeeded, they would be branded destroyers. But at least the invaders would suffer a bitter blow.

Already the steady tramp of feet were echoing along the brush filled moat surrounding the castle. On the wall, the sun glinted off silent troops.

Fathren closed his eyes for a long moment, then drew an arrow. “On my mark, and may the Prince be with us all.”

“May the Prince be with us.” His companions’ voices were accompanied by the swish of arrows.

Fathren tensed, measuring the distance of the approaching soldiers. The troops in the moat. The horsemen behind his party in the tall grasses. The dryness of the grasses.

Almost…almost…

He raised one hand.

Now!

Fathren sliced his hand downward and leapt to his feet, springing to the middle of the causeway. Focusing, he breathed on the tip of his arrow and his heart leapt as it flashed into a flame.

“Draw!” His voice seemed to echo along the battlements even as startled cried from the wall reflected the shouts of derision from the invaders.

“Aim!”

He focused toward the brush just beyond the lead troop, feeling rather than seeing his friends fall in place behind him.

“Loose!”

His string sang as the arrow cut through the air. Shouts burst into a confused babble and Fathren spun, a single glimpse assuring him his companion’s arrows had found their mark while anger ripple through the walls above. But it was the only way. The lord would have surrendered if given the chance. Surrendered, and been slaughtered.

He’d not have the chance.

And, as Fathren followed his men, leaping over the causeway to the murky pool beneath, he only hoped the flames already catching hold on the plains and enveloping the invaders would be enough to save them all.

Posted by Hope Ann

6 comments

*clutches head and moans* I need… I need more… why did it have to end there… I need more. My day is ruined.
Okay, not really. Seriously though, this is beautiful. I spotted a few typos, but otherwise it’s perfect. I love it. Great job.

Thanks. 🙂 It was fun to write, though I’ve honestly no idea what happens next or even which one of my lands it is in. But someday, hopefully, these pieces will make their way into stories, or turn into stories, or a realm leaper will run across them… 😉

I am with Fereleth. I NEED MORE!!! 😀
This is really cool; it sounds like something that might happen in Aulora- or at least in that world. I don’t know why that’s what it reminded me of, but it did. I hope to see the ending someday! 😉

Possibly Aulora. Or maybe Cember Earth…more likely Cember Earth (which hardly anyone knows about, though it’s my most developed world to date, because I’ve not written much from there except an early book which I intend to rewrite someday. *takes deep breath* That was a run-on, I believe. Not that I care enough to change it… 😉 )

I am on Instagram

I’m on Nadine’s Street Team!

What’s up on Twitter

Archives

Archives

Terms and Conditions of Use

The content provided on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information found on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in the information available on this site or by following any link on this site nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Privacy Policy

We do not share personal information or behavioral information with third parties. We do not store information we collect about your visit to this blog for use other than to analyze content performance through the use of cookies, which you can turn off at any time by modifying your web browser's settings. We are not responsible for the republishing of the content found on this blog on other websites or media without our permission. This privacy policy is subject to change at any time and without notice.

All Amazon links are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission on the product.